| Sustainability Principles |
| Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important; climate change resulting from carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy use is both real and under way. Good housing design can make a significant contribution in reducing pollution and improving the environment. Building sustainable homes requires us to minimise all sorts of environmental impacts in addition to carbon emissions, such as water use, waste generated, and materials for building. The Code for Sustainable homes provides a comprehensive measure of the sustainability of new homes, ensuring that sustainable homes deliver real improvement in key areas such as carbon dioxide emissions and water use. We aim to build all of our homes to the minimum standard of Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3. This is the standard that the Government is targeting for all new homes and it represents a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to current regulations. Achieving Code Level 3 requires investment in low carbon technologies such as solar thermal panels, ground source and air source heat pumps, wind turbines, dual-flush toilets, improved surface water and grey water usage. We also consider the benefits of providing in-house waste management and composting facilities, providing a room that can be set up as a home office, and the use of more environmentally sound materials. We have explored the most exciting and energy-efficient building methods currently available including steel frame, timber frame and ICF construction each offering high levels of insulation, air tightness and vapour permeability. Our aim is to find innovative but practical solutions so that we provide the highest quality housing with as little long term impact on the environment as possible. Quality homes that won't cost the earth |